Copyright © Bill's Music Shop & Pickin' Parlor
Music Lessons
Jim Graddick - Jim started playing fiddle at the age of 11 here at Bill’s. He spent hundreds of Friday nights honing his skills with the plethora of great musicians that frequent Bill’s on the weekends. He went on earn his degree in music education from USC in 2012. Since then he has won numerous awards including Renofest in 2015, the 2017 SC fiddle championship, and 2018 Old Time Guitar Championship. He was then voted Fiddler of the Year by the Carolinas Country Music Association in 2018 and 2019. In 2022 Jim won 6th place at Galax- the largest and oldest fiddle championship in the country. In 2020 Jim found his greatest prize-his wife Kaelah. After a short engagement they were married and now perform weddings and concerts together. Their farm is called Fiddle & Flock.
Dave Nelson - Dave is a retired science teacher who now enjoys teaching guitar and banjo students here at Bill's! His mom bought him his first guitar at age 16, and he’s been playing ever since. Dave is a teacher with a lot of patience, and he specializes in beginning lessons while focusing on the basics such as scales, strumming, and chord changes. He can also tailor a lesson for students to learn their favorite songs. Dave enjoys playing gospel, blue grass, folk, and even some jazz.
Brent Hall - Brent is a musician, teacher, and recording artist from the Columbia area. He started playing the guitar at 4 years old. Along with teaching guitar since 2014, he’s involved in several other musical projects. He’s played with many local artists as well as Country Music Hall of Fame artist Tommy Cash (brother of Johnny Cash), Leona Williams, and Brenda K. Perry. He’s played and recorded in Nashville! As a teacher he guarantees that students will learn to play and understand the joy of music. He’s excellent with beginners, children, and adults of all ages, and he looks forward to encouraging all aspiring musicians!
Bill's offers music lessons by appointment from Tuesday through Thursday. Lessons are typically 30 minutes long on a weekly basis at a specific day and time. (Example: Every Tuesday at 1pm.) Cost is $29 per 30 minutes. Hour long lessons and video lessons can be arranged if desired. Please call 803-796-6477 to schedule your time slot.
Our Instructors:
Morgan Soard, Youth Slow Jam Instructor - Morgan Soard is a local musician and performer who first earned a Bachelor of Music Composition as well as a performance certificate in classical guitar from the University of South Carolina. He studied with well known professors such as composer John Fitz Rogers and classical guitarist Christopher Berg. Currently, he performs in a jazz ensemble and a gospel church group as well as teaches guitar, ukulele, piano dulcimer, and voice. Morgan has been teaching private music lessons for over ten years and has the experience and privilege of teaching students of all ages and backgrounds.
Martha Butler - Martha can teach just about anything! Her positive spirit and energy make lessons fun and productive! One of Martha's students told her, " You actually asked me what I want to play and learn instead of telling me what to play." This sums up her customized approach to working with students. She also focuses on helping students get over fears of playing in front of others by having them play along with her and recorded music as soon as possible. Learning to play an instrument is supposed to be fun. Many of her students learn to play multiple stringed instruments once they learn the basics. Learning to play by ear is another skill she encourages since music is audible not visual. The activity of music is a great way to keep the brain healthy and sharp.
Sherri Cafaro - Sherri has been delighting audiences for thirty years. Born to devout Christian parents in Columbia, South Carolina, she began her career singing in gospel choirs, as well as singing and playing piano with her parents at church. At sixteen she began appearing on her own at small jazz clubs and lounges, and s in her early twenties she was the featured singer for an eighteen-piece orchestra appearing in various venues across the southeast. Sherri has performed for government dignitaries, including governors, senators, President Ronald Reagan, President George Bush Sr, and Secretary Colin Powell. Sherri has been appearing on cruise ships for years with her trio and as a solo performer. Sherri’s arresting voice draws standing-room-only crowds and standing ovations, pleasing her audiences with the music they remember and love to hear. Her smooth and powerful voice is matched with her winsome smile and radiant personality that keeps her audiences wanting more. Her unique singing style captures the character of the original performers, and combined with her own flavor, she is hailed as one of the gifted and enchanting singers of today.